Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

BlackReef on Tue November 29, 2011 1:00 AM

Year: 1998
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer
Engine Size: 5.0
Refrigerant Type: R134A
Ambient Temp: N/A
Pressure Low: N/A
Pressure High: N/A
Country of Origin: United States

The A/C system stopped blowing cold air and it was recharged with one of those do-it-yourself kits with STOP LEAK in it.

Needless to say this gunked up the AC system pretty good, and caused the compressor to fail because the orifice tube got clogged.

So, I had the system flushed at a mechanic, which supposedly contaminated the machine that did the flush (from all the stop leak).

We installed a new compressor and orifice tube, recharged the system.

It blew cold air for about 30 minutes before the orifice tube got gunked up again and stopped the freon flow. This, in turn, caused the NEW A/C compressor to fail because it was not circulating freon. We evac'd the system, replaced the orifice tube and recharged. Same thing - not 30 minutes later the new orifice tube was clogged up with stop-leak gunk.

So now, I have the system evac'd. I am going to take it in and get the system flushed one more time, install a new compressor tomorrow, replace the orifice tube AND do the accumulator - then recharge the system.

You guys think this is the right steps to take, or is there a better way to get this stop-leak out? I already had the system flushed but apparently that didn't get all the stop-leak out. I think the freon has to be flowing through the system before the gunk can accumulate on the orifice tube. That sucks because I basically have to evac/recharge each time I want to clog up the orifice tube and then replace it, that may be the only way I can get all the gunk out is by doing that.

Thoughts on this? Thanks in advance

BTW - Here is a picture of the orifice tube (the third one I pulled out):

HECAT on Tue November 29, 2011 6:54 AM

First thought is that you are going to need a more effective flush chemical, process, and verification procedure. Second though is without that, you are going to need to replace all contaminated components.

-------------------------

HECAT: www.hecatinc.com You support the Forum when you consider www.ackits.com for your a/c parts.

FLUSHING TECHNICAL PAPER vs2.pdf 

TRB on Tue November 29, 2011 9:32 AM

As Hecat stated, you need to find out what the flush procedure is at the shop you have been taken it to. Seems more like they are just pulling a vacuum on the system then flushing it out. Read the link in Hecat's post on flushing procedures. If the shop is not doing something similar. Find another shop that will.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Cussboy on Tue November 29, 2011 10:55 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: BlackReef
The A/C system ....was recharged with one of those do-it-yourself kits with STOP LEAK in it. Needless to say this gunked up the AC system pretty good, and caused the compressor to fail because the orifice tube got clogged.

I doubt anyone who regularly visits this board is surprised one bit. You just learned the hard way.

chris142 on Wed November 30, 2011 10:54 PM

Replace everything. New evaporator, condensor, lines, compressor, dryer....